MRC’s Third Annual Technology Show Brings Smart Manufacturing to the Forefront
BREINIGSVILLE, PA – April 24, 2025 – The Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) hosted its signature Automation and Manufacturing Technology Show at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Breinigsville, PA. Focusing on Smart Manufacturing, a full house of industry leaders, experts, and innovators came together for a day of insightful discussions and demonstrations focused on the latest trends and advancements in automation. The show featured twenty-nine exhibitors, marking a significant milestone in MRC’s commitment to advancing manufacturing innovation.
Smart Manufacturing: Transforming Industry Through Innovation
Shawn Furman
The event commenced with an insightful presentation by Shawn Furman, MRC’s Director of Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy, who addressed common misconceptions about automation and highlighted how technology fosters new opportunities rather than displacing jobs.
“Smart manufacturing is more than just adopting new technologies; it’s about reshaping how we think, collaborate, and solve problems on the shop floor,” said Shawn Furman. “This year’s show highlighted how manufacturers can use automation not to replace people, but to empower them to do more meaningful, high-impact work.”
Expert Presentations on Critical Manufacturing Topics
Jeff Craig, Senior Project Manager at Fuss & O’Neill Manufacturing Solutions, discussed the foundation of smart manufacturing through effective maintenance strategies, emphasizing maintenance as a strategic investment.
Mike DeRosier, Business Development Manager at Advent Design Corporation, explored “The Value of Integrated Systems,” demonstrating how combining advanced and traditional technologies leads to more flexible and adaptive production environments.
John Gillen, Digital Business Development Manager at Proconex, presented real-world case studies showcasing smart manufacturing trends, including solutions like Proof Check, Data Jaguar, Quick View Plus, and Vision AI.
Panel Discussion: The Future of Smart Manufacturing
The program concluded with a dynamic panel discussion where experts addressed the impact of tariffs on capital spending, advising manufacturers to use downtime for introspective analysis and strategic planning. On AI, experts emphasized its role as a practical tool to enhance processes, not replace workers, with applications like vision systems and text refinement. Data collection tips included setting clear goals, involving operations teams, and leveraging tools to focus on high-value analytics. The discussion also highlighted the importance of standardizing and connecting disparate automation systems to enable seamless data flow, a cornerstone of smart manufacturing.
Audience questions delved into digital transformation priorities, data quality in CMMS systems, and fostering engagement in analytics, underscoring the need for clear communication and shared terminology across teams, emphasizing MRC’s commitment to supporting manufacturers through strategic planning and partner selection.
Interactive Exhibits and Demonstrations
Attendees engaged with twenty-nine exhibits featuring cutting-edge technologies such as:
- Factory automation
- Robotics
- Machine vision
- Cybersecurity
- Business software solutions
- Augmented reality
- Data collection and analysis
- Industrial
About Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC)
The Manufacturers Resource Center is a nonprofit partially funded by NIST MEP and Manufacturing PA. MRC has been a trusted partner for Pennsylvania manufacturers for over 30 years, dedicated to providing expert solutions, training, and industry connections to drive business growth and innovation. With a focus on technology, workforce development, and operational excellence, MRC empowers businesses in Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Schuylkill, and Carbon counties to grow, compete, and succeed in an evolving industry. For more information, visit www.mrcpa.org.
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Contact Information
Patricia Felise | Media Relations
Manufacturers Resource Center
pat.felise@mrcpa.org | (610) 628-4640